State GovernmentTwo state agencies ground Cruise driverless cars for public safetyOctober 24, 2023A recent incident in San Francisco spurred the Department of Motor Vehicles and the California Public Utilities Commission to suspend the licenses for Cruise’s driverless cars.
State Government‘Back of the line again’: California’s broadband plan deprioritized underserved regions, advocates sayOctober 23, 2023After years of planning a broadband system to bridge California’s digital divide, officials deprioritized some low-income areas due to unexpected costs. Gov. Gavin Newsom says he’s committed to funding the entire network, but advocates are skeptical. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
State GovernmentLaphonza Butler skips the U.S. Senate race: What you need to knowOctober 19, 2023California’s new U.S. senator says she won’t seek a full term in 2024. She says she can better serve the state by focusing on key issues, not a campaign.
EnvironmentSan Joaquin Valley growers may face probation for failing to protect groundwaterOctober 13, 2023Hundreds of wells in Tulare Lake aquifer are at risk of going dry. Today’s recommendation is the first time that state officials have moved to crack down on local plans that fail to stop excessive groundwater pumping.
State GovernmentIs California’s COVID-era rent relief program running out of money?October 9, 2023California’s COVID-era rent relief program, long saddled with delays, criticisms and legal woes, appears to be running out of money. What does that mean for the more than 100,000 renters still awaiting help?
State GovernmentNewsom blocks a bill to ban caste discrimination in CaliforniaOctober 8, 2023Gov. Newsom vetoes what would have been a first-in-the-nation law banning caste discrimination in education, housing and the workplace. The bill divided South Asian communities in California.
EducationBeyond crayons and circle time: What California transitional kindergarten needs to succeedOctober 6, 2023California is rolling out its transitional kindergarten program, with the goal of offering it for all 4-year-olds by 2025-26. While some schools have had programs in place for years, others are just starting to create teaching guidelines.
Health CareAnother strike looms at Kaiser’s California hospitals as workers push for better payOctober 3, 2023Kaiser Permanente provides health care to more than 9 million Californians. A strike this week could affect patients at dozens of hospitals.
EnvironmentThe Bay-Delta ecosystem is collapsing. California just unveiled rival rescue plansOctober 2, 2023A long-awaited, controversial report weighs updates to standards that state officials say have failed to protect fish and wildlife. But environmentalists, Native tribes and others already are furious about how long this has taken.
State GovernmentGavin Newsom signs law boosting minimum wage for fast-food workers. Is $20 enough?September 29, 2023More than half a million fast food workers, mostly minorities and women, will earn higher minimum wage because Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a fast food bill Thursday. But some say that’s not a living wage.
